Project Pharmacy Lead

Title: Project Lead

Location South of Syria – Open to National & International

Scope

Responsibility: Country level

Department: Programs

Reporting to: Global Project Director

Context

Relief International (RI) is an international non-profit organization that partners with communities impacted by conflict, climate change and disaster to save lives, build greater resilience and promote long-term health and wellbeing.

Our team of more than 7,000 staff and local volunteers work in 15 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, providing Health and Nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Education and Livelihoods programming that creates the foundation for community resilience.

We do this by working with local actors to develop safe and inclusive local programming that is evidence based, conflict sensitive, climate smart, and reaches those in need.

About the Project

The Local Medical Supplier Development Project is a multi-country initiative led by Relief International (RI), executed with implementing technical partner Quamed, and funded by Takeda. The project aims to enhance the capacity of local pharmaceutical and medical device suppliers in Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan, and Myanmar to meet international quality assurance standards (e.g., GSDP, MQAS). The objective is to ensure timely access to quality-assured medical products, strengthen local supply chains, and promote sustainable local procurement for humanitarian needs.

Job Profile

The Project (Pharmacy) Lead will drive the implementation of the Local Medical Supplier Development Project in Syria, ensuring seamless coordination among stakeholders and alignment with project goals.

Your role will focus on leading and facilitating project implementation by engaging with local stakeholders, including NGOs, local authorities, and medical suppliers. You will oversee coordination efforts, monitor progress, and evaluate project impact to ensure effective execution. Acting as the primary liaison between the global project team and in-country partners, you will ensure that activities remain on track and objectives are met.

You will lead stakeholder collaboration, ensuring smooth communication and engagement with key partners. You will work closely with local medical suppliers to strengthen supply chain development, identify challenges, and implement solutions. Your role requires balancing strategic oversight with hands-on coordination, navigating complex operational environments, and adapting to evolving project needs.

Key Responsibilities

Accountability and Complexity

• Represents RI externally, ensuring positive relationships with donors, partners, and communities while safeguarding the quality and impact of RI projects, operations, and teams.
• Ensures critical information, concerns, and lessons learned are shared within management and implementation teams to enhance safety, security, and advocacy efforts while following standardized procedures with moderate supervision.

Project Implementation & Coordination

• Adapt the project plan to the Syrian context based on the standard project framework.
• Manage day-to-day project activities in Syria.
• Work closely with the global project team for effective coordination.
• Collaborate with the HQ Pharmacy Lead and Supply Chain Manager to ensure smooth implementation.
• Provide technical input into the project’s work plans, timelines, and deliverables.

Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy

• Engage with international and national NGOs to foster collaboration on harmonizing product catalogues, pooled procurement initiatives, and procurement data sharing.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with local health authorities, regulatory bodies, and pharmacy associations.
• Advocate for local supplier capacity building and localized procurement within the humanitarian sector.
• Organize and participate in stakeholder workshops, webinars, and meetings to ensure buy-in and support.

Technical Support & Capacity Building

• Facilitate and support Quamed, the project subcontractor, in executing the project in the different stages, e.g: market analysis, supplier selection, and capacity-building activities for local suppliers, and related regular workshops
• Assist in supplier engagement to ensure active participation and progress tracking.
• Support coordination of supplier assessments, audits, and training initiatives conducted by Quamed.
• Act as the key liaison between Quamed and local suppliers to ensure smooth implementation of development plans.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting

• Track project progress against targets and report to the Global Project Director.
• Contribute in the monthly, quarterly, and annual reports, highlighting achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.
• Participate in project learning and knowledge-sharing activities, ensuring best practices are documented and shared.

Behavior and Conduct

• Will ensure the highest standards of behavior inside and outside of work promotes the values in RI’s code of conduct and safeguarding policies
• Will be a model for ethical conduct standards for other team members
• Will ensure own actions and the actions of the teams’ members they manage do not impact on the safety of the RI team and the vulnerable communities we serve
• Will ensure external stakeholders are aware of RI conduct and reporting mechanisms
• Report any concerns

Person Specification

Skills, knowledge and expertise required for the role.

Essential criteria

• Master’s degree or higher in Pharmacy, Public Health, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• At least 8 years of experience in pharmaceutical supply chain management, quality assurance, or humanitarian health programs.
• Experience in engaging with national health authorities, regulatory bodies, and international NGOs.
• Strong knowledge of international donor quality assurance standards (e.g., WHO, GSDP, MQAS).
• Experience in capacity-building programs for medical suppliers, including assessments and training initiatives.
• Ability to work effectively in complex conflict-affected environments.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and advocacy skills.
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities, with the capacity to multi-task and meet deadlines.

Desirable criteria

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Fluency in Arabic and proficiency in English.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, and other relevant software.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Capability to operate effectively in a fast-paced and demanding environment.

RI Values

Guided by the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, as well as “Do No Harm,” Relief International Values:

• Integrity
• Adaptability
• Collaboration
• Inclusivity
• Sustainability

How to apply

To apply for this post, follow the link https://ri.bamboohr.com/careers/146

• You will be asked to upload a CV and Cover Letter.

Closing Date

31 March 2025 or/and please apply immediately we will be reviewing applicants on a rolling basis; therefore we may withdraw the position from the jobs board before the closing date.

As a humanitarian organization, Relief International is committed to the safeguarding of all those we come into contact with through our work. We are committed to the core humanitarian principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse. Relief International expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment and uphold the values and behaviors outlined in the Code of Conduct.

Recruitment to all roles in Relief International include a criminal records self-declaration, references, and other pre-employment checks, which may include police and qualifications checks.